Available Positions

(i) A Funded PDRA position is available (Available 1st August 2018)

Dr Neil Kad's lab at the University of Kent is looking for a bright and enthusiastic individual who is interested in using state-of-the-art single molecule techniques to image transcription factor interactions with DNA tightropes (see Kad et al., 2010). The project is wide-ranging from protein biochemistry to single molecule data collection and analysis. This project will be undertaken in collaboration with partners and will require travel in the UK and possibly beyond.

This interdisciplinary project is aimed at understanding how inhibitors of transcription factor proto-oncogenes work. By directly imaging of RNA polymerase moving along DNA, we will learn how inhibitors exert their action and using this information we can work with the Mason group at the University of Bath to generate better inhibitors. We have fully developed the technology to visualise six fluorophores in wide-field microscopy simultaneously, enabling us to image multiple components acting together. In addition, the inhibitor selection assay is fully developed at the University of Bath. This is a hugely valuable project, for which training and support will be given throughout, including regular meetings between team members and a 6-week exchange programme with the University of Bath to gain new skills and enhance progress

The Kad lab is very well-equipped with microscopes dedicated to single molecule fluorescence imaging, dark-field and laser tweezers. In addition, the School of Biosciences at Kent houses numerous shared facilities from NMR and Mass Spectrometry to cell biology and super-resolution imaging.

This 3-yr BBSRC funded Postdoctoral position is available from 1st August and applicants must have or be about to receive a PhD in a relevant science subject. Candidates should also have experience in protein biochemistry/biophysics and preferably single molecule/microscopy methods.

(ii) Available self-funded PhD positions

We have a number of on-going projects that could be of interested to a capable, motivated student. If you are interested in joining us on a project or require sponsorship for a project that you feels could work in our lab then please let me know directly. Below are listed a few projects that we are currently recruiting for:

1) Understanding DNA repair in Humans. This project involves working with international collaborators to study the process of DNA repair in Eukaryotes. Compared to bacterial systems this is incredibly complex and challenging. But with our new optical systems we may be able to understand how DNA is repaired in eukaryotes for the first time.

2) Developing a new methodology to measure protein-protein interactions and protein-DNA interactions at the single molecule level. This truly innovative project would involed using laser tweezers, novel nanoprobe devices, DNA tightropes and fluorescent imaging in a concerted effort to investigate the force dimension in these interactions.

3) Molecular mechanisms of heart disease. We have developed a new assay to watch the molecules involved in heart contraction at work. Using this assay there are a huge number of investigations both about disease and fundamental mechanism of heart contraction.

(iii) We are also looking for research fellows

If you're interested in working with me I'm happy to consider supporting appropriate fellowship and studentship applications. Just email me with your project and funding ideas to get the ball rolling. The projects listed for studentships could also be expanded into postdoctoral research projects.

Why work with us?

We are a dynamic and exciting group that is really trying to answer fundamental questions, we are also not afraid to test the canons of science. If you are genuinely excited about science consider joining us.